Social/Emotional

Social/Emotional Learning

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions (CASEL, 2012).

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has identified five core sets of competencies:

  • Self Awareness - Allows for individuals to be mindful of personal feelings, as well as the connections between one's feelings and thoughts and behaviors.
  • Self Management - Builds skills in self regulation, which is paramount in managing transitions, life changes, and stressful situations.
  • Social Awareness - Grows an understanding of others and their experiences. It includes the development of empathy, as well as growing the ability to take the perspective of others.
  • Relationship Skills - Develops the skills necessary to maintain healthy relationships over a lifetime, including communication and conflict resolution skills.
  • Responsible Decision Making - Enables one to make thoughtful, respectful, safe, and evaluative decisions

Social and emotional learning is a lifelong pursuit, as is academic learning. It is valuable at all life stages

and across life domains.